The Ultimate Guide to Introducing Kids to the Exciting World of Anime

While older individuals may have a strong attachment to it, the majority of anime, including animation in general, is primarily targeted towards children. Although there may be occasional mature or graphic scenes, most anime is intentionally designed to be relatively harmless for younger viewers. Consequently, this accessibility from a young age allows individuals to become invested in anime more easily.

Essentially, anime serves as a medium that is intended to be highly accessible for children. There are specific anime productions that excel in introducing children to this form of entertainment. Some prioritize minimal violence, others have storylines that are easily comprehended by a younger audience, and many offer stunning animation and direction. Regardless, they all provide captivating content, making them few in number but highly suitable for introducing kids to anime.

10 Hamtaro

Based on the Manga & Storybook Created By Ritsuko Kawai

Year Released	200
Episodes	296
Where to stream it	Currently unavailable on streaming

The best anime for introducing kids to the medium is Hamtaro. Although it lacks a strong overarching story, each episode is a delightful and entertaining adventure featuring Hamtaro and his hamster friends. With the episodic format of the series, children can freely choose any episode without fear of getting lost in the minimal plot. Additionally, with nearly 300 episodes available, kids will always have a plethora of Hamtaro content to enjoy, making it a beginner-friendly entry point into the world of anime.

9 Nichijou

Based on the Manga Created By Keiichi Arawi

Year Released	2011
Number of Episodes	26
Where to Stream it	Crunchyroll, Funimation

Nichijou is an excellent anime for introducing children to the medium. Similar to Hamtaro, it is comical and episodic, allowing kids to watch any episode without confusion. This makes the series highly accessible, and its absurd nature ensures that it caters to people of all ages. Additionally, one of Nichijou's major highlights is its direction, boasting stunning art and animation that transform each episode into a visual spectacle. Such elements enhance the overall experience, ensuring that even children will derive great enjoyment from it.

8 Bocchi The Rock!

Based on the Manga Created By Aki Hamaji

Year Released	2022
Episodes	12
Where to stream it	Crunchyroll

7 Spy X Family

: Bocchi the Rock! is an anime that stands out for its outstanding animation. Each episode captivates viewers with its stunning visuals and takes full advantage of the limitless potential of animation. This series never fails to grab attention. Furthermore, Bocchi the Rock! bravely tackles the topic of social anxiety through its main character, Bocchi. This aspect not only educates children who may face similar challenges but also offers them valuable coping mechanisms. Although relatively new, Bocchi the Rock! is undeniably one of the top anime choices for kids.

Based on the Manga Created By Tatsuya Endo

Year Released	2022
Episodes	28
Where to stream it	Hulu, Crunchyroll

Spy x Family is a newer anime that is great for kids. Although it features a spy and an assassin as two of the main characters, the show focuses more on humorous antics among the cast rather than violence. Anya, the third lead character, adds a lot of comedy to the story. Despite its darker undertones, the anime maintains a consistent lightheartedness, which perfectly complements its themes of found family. The animation is superb, both in the action sequences and the more everyday scenes, making Spy x Family an ideal choice for kids to enjoy.

6 Little Witch Academia

Created by Yoh Yoshinari and Studio Trigger

Year Released	2017
Episodes	25
Where to stream it	Netflix

5 Azumanga Daioh

Despite Studio Trigger's reputation for creating anime that may not be suitable for children, Little Witch Academia stands out as an exception. This delightful anime follows the lighthearted adventures of Akko as she embarks on her magical education. The series never takes itself too seriously and instead focuses on exploring Akko's misadventures. Moreover, Little Witch Academia boasts some of the most impressive animation and music found in any Studio Trigger production. The stunning visuals and enchanting soundtrack perfectly complement the whimsical and fantastical nature of the storyline, ultimately creating an anime that would captivate any child.

Based on the Manga Created By Kiyohiko Azuma

Year Released	2002
Episodes	26
Where to stream it	HIDIVE

Azumanga Daioh is widely recognized as a standout slice-of-life anime, particularly suited for introducing children to the genre. While it lacks a captivating premise, the series captivates viewers with its focus on the everyday lives of its characters. Thanks to its expertly crafted comedic writing, every episode is highly enjoyable, and the jokes are designed to resonate with audiences of all ages. Considered a defining example of the "cute girls doing cute things" subgenre, Azumanga Daioh is undeniably one of the best choices for entertaining kids.

4 Spirited Away

Directed by Hayao Miyazaki

Year Released	2001
Runtime	125 Minutes
Where to stream it	Max

Studio Ghibli is often regarded as the ideal studio for introducing people to anime, with Spirited Away being one of the top choices. Spirited Away masterfully combines dark storytelling with playful humor, creating a film that effortlessly appeals to children without patronizing them. The animation in Spirited Away is also among Studio Ghibli's finest, showcasing the boundless possibilities of the medium. Widely recognized as an iconic masterpiece in animation, Spirited Away is an excellent choice for children and adults alike.

All Studio Ghibli films are available for streaming on Max. Other fantastic Ghibli movies suitable for kids include Ponyo and Castle in the Sky.

3 Pokémon

Based on the Game Franchise Created By Satoshi Tajiri

Year Released	1997
Episodes	1,259
Where to stream it	Hulu, Netflix, Tubi

Of all the anime to introduce to children, Pokémon remains one of the most classic examples. The simplicity of its plot and the excellent writing surrounding its diverse cast make it an ideal choice for young viewers. Additionally, now is the perfect time to introduce Pokémon to kids thanks to its soft reboot, Pokémon Horizons. New fans can dive into the series without worrying about the limited continuity with Ash and Pikachu. Pokémon has consistently proven its accessibility for children, and even after nearly 30 years, that hasn't changed one bit.

2 Digimon Adventure

Based on the Franchise Created By Bandai

By the same token as Pokémon, Digimon is also a fantastic way to introduce anime to children. Both shows share similarities with their pet monster themes and relative simplicity. However, Digimon takes on a more mature storyline, making it a great choice for those who are seeking something with a bit more depth while still being suitable for kids. Additionally, each series follows a new group of characters in a different setting, providing a refreshing and diverse viewing experience. Pokémon and Digimon have undoubtedly remained two of the top anime choices for children, even after several decades.

Year Released	1999
Episodes	54
Where to stream it	Hulu

Though every Digimon anime is aimed at kids, the 3rd season, Digimon Tamers features a slightly more mature story that tackles darker subject matter.

1 Dragon Ball Z

Based on the Manga Created By Akira Toriyama

Year Released	1989
Number of Episodes	291
Where to Stream it	Crunchyroll, Funimation

One of the most iconic and timeless anime series, Dragon Ball Z, is an excellent choice for introducing kids to the medium. Its thrilling action sequences and comedic moments have captivated audiences, making it one of the biggest anime of all time. Despite its age, Dragon Ball Z remains incredibly entertaining. While it may not be overly complex, it delivers its content with remarkable efficiency. With the Dragon Ball franchise continuing to gain momentum, there are few anime series that can rival its appeal to children.

Although audience tastes are subjective regardless of age, there are certain anime titles that are universally appealing and suitable for introducing kids to the medium. Each anime listed here possesses distinct characteristics, yet all of them excel in terms of comedy, storytelling, animation, and their enduring popularity with children over the years. While personal preferences may differ, it is undeniable that every anime on this list is an ideal choice for introducing kids to the world of anime.